The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2qKLKczB9
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mZGKngGva
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLUqastc0E
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUogeY0UWGP
"Kid! Over here!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsDnSYSSve
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER1k0WIED6
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXQnx40Tz4
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5VgYKhQ42
"Ya ready!?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMUMyvDvxG
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiTORCWIZa
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDV9fTdi0j
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQgLQxcMvZ
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb1UFCAL0f
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9jgmabHzU
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAb06j2VpH
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapFbirX1di
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO7He5gthW
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm1ocu8f2D
"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyQvbBBNKu
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvcLSs97jS
YEAH!446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HSCfIOEJw
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ4MWEtlBH
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha0Ck5VkdJ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGEsmMjGJN
"Ack!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7PRYTkF9D
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUnKzh1k6e
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfr8DAkHIl
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U6UqgFLCd
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBKd2Tv2Jh
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKOc9hrO40
"R-Right!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfKDI4nAQl
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7LcRDvsQO
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oGy8ZDJ0q
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4FPbJI4S1
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe0IlXKPPz
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCYObSxony
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwCF3weFLA
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IJVKromET
"Crap!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LIOhncXoo
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmwLq7SqCO
I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtYNytLJot
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ242smJsvC8
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPgAzEhYSZ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbK7rSZyDW
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR1STH6JMV
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TiTeykdXr
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJCaDhHZBc
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gTgbsFS8F
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1mPQEWc5q
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDLVgVJ7Nq
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRZuXzPy2E
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ532kg0o9jZ
"L-Lola!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y8IIoA2Lo
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgxvOeO2mW
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPO4DhoIZI
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3r24UyOUs
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6obN9fPcjs
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqOBHksypt
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcuwOf0mxm
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFf2hWpqZL
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVyRx9qW6z
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjJw59tZnv
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTynuhngiW
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T1Y4UuU80
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7EFUKrJxS
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FucEWbtSw
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXUcABMTd9
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKuCAWByiX
–
–
–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB8J7vIzSa
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nchpbtUZU
Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUlAKw92BG
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoLwUURFaj
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS127XQPaBV
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvftfAABZR
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AuSoV75oG
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1EG3XTPyG
She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc9yJVMZju
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6flXyDy0H
"Do you have something you want to say?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrJVvfzhAZ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhgz3pLGz1
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGUglqdevn
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8oy6BVjbu
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6erv49NZXy
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8202RkV6f7
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXjrKGEnyb
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZvhicl0nR
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySjLBiTcyU
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoODn0cNPfq
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiYc1qKkQD
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLlygfkSi8
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC57T4UlVV
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sjKJFA1Xn
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMlT0tjL6a
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiwXeLdM91
"Call me Anima."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAoAt1TjwD
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmBakHGb3r
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Ki17Drce
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgqWYggZYr
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn8oIfgNhe
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ONMhpsNK3
Then, the Harbinger dashed.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7cOY2uHyN
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOshEAgtX9M
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4tVSOReEf
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsNl7gWUY6
"Ngh!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TanreZRMl
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2oSpSBVEy
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlcM9A5fhI
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWGZWJuTM9
**THUD**446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG7pdcP6U1
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdywQ7Hu8Np
She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K9R3ND6MM
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoobyzQ4CC
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHbnoQqBcB
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LDVSWF9Vv
"--!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TmFQi2l5m
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8STXAMNs3
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bYWQFjLAr
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPrt8MhTbg
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9qHbi1hO0
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6fnoMCUJT
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFxJj21Cmm
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9KdZIdQPB
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbDGMQymJ0
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LLmwlxDsf
She had hit a wall.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv10w3FtEmM
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qSFQgK80b
"--!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6TrgGQ8jb
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlQbRvXeDb
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xKw9YFN5g
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ0GNbIBdB
**CLING**446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZCfsgKEI1
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsD4tHBcI5
She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1UjBqNU03
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBTTUuEwdv
"Huh. I can't break free."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONyX27pbiq
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PyIhRzBM7
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs3nb0Dyve
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaKXlvwE9l
"--Huh?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4XNFkeSuI
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3AeYJlTdG
"Caught you!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvtWgNuZBi
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0XKjIzfSY
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17AKd0XKV8
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSfmCADAMS
"You!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYI8bA4ppf
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe1ZSWoW1a
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1rnlrCNLT
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLcEEhSkvD
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc2cGXE9ze
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTioZ7FrOrB
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgVIw4zj4y
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiZCWN502v
"Hrk!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPWnGM8LWW
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVnV8nbU4w
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhoSKoHUm3
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2z4TGJ7hC
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90NMQXCxIg
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvR0eIUy5s
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBi3VNngs4
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDYM2A95O
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZCcNvAQEO
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m455q6miC
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64J3C01IjC
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvjBiwk9qu
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiDYjUBAlq
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiUrrF9mxO
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztm0RSdrPs
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj6FgfvsuE
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoDhJuGb1b
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfZCR7zBMW
"...This is irritating."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyb0Iqo4bs
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8uhAwh3ai
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HCTWk4GZk
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4zNJAiMqF
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2et2IuSoK
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk30rrPsZtb
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfhAYDZyHn
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYFK9IR6YX
Giving up became more and more alluring.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04ItUILdxq
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi5eOJm6bj
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGHjIsHGjZ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK45TJmHKy
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4VzQ9sAOK
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyqSJbV9KL
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGF8NbCuQe
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG9L4iLqwB
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9273vf5pV
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LXTmIaIq
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvFZlrpSEG
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv06hrZsoW9
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CufNt756S
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor8EaD9zsn
"...Unless, of course."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFv37k9CEN
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3EGkENQYH
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkuagPIqlK
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoBFm3enw2
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2IcrjdBBA
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WYQuJmHsR
"I don't like what you're planning!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kXrlYWjUb
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0LjV9JgL0
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJavcnNpsr2
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtlhIeAFxM
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2XBo6Dw7c
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3LNucQC80
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5CKbz2bJx
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJwPREVNG9
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvssfFFd07
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nUItsaskD
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUHZveh0gk
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJbquYu3dJ
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDyjhtU1lJ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQSpwwI10W
**THUD**446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc5SYZODKQ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20SbXsnAIP
But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYiCyLbCzX
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59RpHnHFtA
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX3ZNWm5qf
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8OOH6Nf0V
"--Hrk!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PDEscUJUg
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXI2ndB5cG
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrSOKn82Ah
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw8xBKVqO3
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEqjbjJrf1
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3InlUSQUo
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF7swF0aWu
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpjUiLdCwF
"This..."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH9QhWdJmI
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcimc9Adqy
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlhCOTCuND
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKy5bPOBiv
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNhDEwWizg
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5Yi7W8IEp
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx7pWGjE1t
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3irfl7AsNh
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJT6zHcjt7
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQlcKHwmn1
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7cCrPjOzi
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D6Qan093G
"--sneaky!"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq8cd5taeA
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IlTQvqCIP
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmclDTcpOu6
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A4ZvXoepb
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDLVPMarSc
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmLhirbQtt
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvRNRU09yn
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlV4EwoFAa
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAZ6cEJ3hA
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEO0VvgJWf
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgtlS6R3y7
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kLDflaxPG
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrHzE4GnMC
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUng0wRUOp
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ3NCXepJQ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UBV20bCiR
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROzmfOAn2S
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgXuyi62M1
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj2x0YZhqY
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLCwG7UKSQ
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJm90Rli0Q
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejO3QpSUPj
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt7G0uS15A
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYVjI6Rh4k
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkFzqlwyBe
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVLAO1ipYS
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4raABaOcD6
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlnbVquSJd
"I win, though–"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmi0gYArZw
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYtPK1ZM3W
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89uOPHxyRR
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UHMTNYW4I
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04tFljAdgl
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmiPat4o3G
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvlWfLtCYk
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkGuZ2EaUT
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75NMx2JHWq
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNTCh3ZZha
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7REbgdNIff
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIaLInrLEK
"Can't move your legs?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATZabH9MqG
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKTgh6hjC9
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFGwWYDThZ
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOE7PtWvbH
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2id3vRW1q
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrMSRtQ2S1
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9dM8FE3F8
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24SlaBFeKK
"Aren't you going to do something?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN1p11rN1N
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHvhoOrgCj
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnDDeUqxUa
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyulVeO78pN
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR94x2FvqiX
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxDcyGNmeQ
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpypmIsVEWj
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJjFKEFzbN
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRocujAwvbu
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FhRNLKPZm
Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgdZiEwqHk
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhooVC296B
**BOOM**446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcW371eykK
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDGfUfnEGq
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB3y9EYVUE
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jMPMhmOH6
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme3gm3ZAND
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmdaP6vcdn
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dZMPwx0CH
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhLaPUy9Rw
"--?"446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHLHqwtPgX
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aqtYQEK22
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzsuLKXa34
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIXruIv8Uh
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAM4ikTiot
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEV7gA1DIT
"...Ehh."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZTKy5Dzxk
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqJooe6lgp
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViZ8cZp2wc
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7UZ7VHnbH
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqIkx8eogh
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61IthMmRtk
"..."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PJQIFkmkw
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MWQ5NhTBS
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjGqbCvTx9
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ67Wn5NHiV
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWpFF5IdxB
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0QSyMJVrL
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSUJA4kjlP
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzKzSkRejH
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
446Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVHLdNntWq
and then Add to home screen.